Hospice Chaplain

About the Role

Responsible for the provision of spiritual care services to patients, families, and caregivers, either directly or through the coordination of care with other spiritual counselors.

Responsibilities

• Represents a spiritual presence and connection with the religious/spiritual roots of the hospice movement.
• Provides a constant reminder to hospice workers that, beyond the physical and emotional support given, patients may desire to have spiritual resources of their choosing.
• Serves as a spiritual resource to team members and assists them in their growth or in dealing with their grief.
• Documents the patient and/or family's religious/spiritual needs and resources on the intake/assessment form and completes progress notes in the patient's chart following each contact.
• Raises, when appropriate in a patient care conference, the possibility of spiritual needs of the patient and family and reports interventions.
• Provides, when invited, direct spiritual counsel, prayer, and sacraments to patients and their families.
• Interfaces with the patient/family's own clergyman, rabbi, or congregation, if requested.
• Encourages patients and families to plan the funeral, wills, requests, obituaries, and interment in advance.
• Remains available to officiate at funeral services if requested.
• Present at time of death, if requested.
• Provides literature and spiritual resources that may be of assistance to patients and families.
• Participates in the patient/family problem-oriented care plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required: Ordained and endorsed minister, priest, rabbi, or a member of a religious order preferred, or lay person with certified training in pastoral care.
• Professional experience in a religious agency or institution may be considered in lieu of formalized education.
• One (1+) year of experience in a health care setting or with death and dying.
• Comfort working in an interfaith setting.
• Must be familiar with general use and functions of the computer, such as user names and password concepts; internet; email; navigation of computer desktop, including starting programs, using files, and windows; effectively use navigation buttons and tool bars; ability to self-manage online HR services and online training programs.
• Preferred: Graduate of accredited seminary or school of theology (Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Divinity, or equivalent theological degree or training).